Trade winter gray for turquoise paradise

Looking for an indulgent jaunt to thaw out somewhere fabulously tropical and luxuriously A-list? Dig out your beachwear, grab a few jetsetter friends and fly down to Turks & Caicos, where The Residences by Grace Bay Resorts are waiting to cater to your whims on the island’s most stunning bay.

The Residences – 1, 2 and 3, all identical – are five-bedroom bijou beachfront bungalows complete with a private infinity pool, hot tub, full kitchen, terrace, concierge service and sleeping space for up to 10. The picturesque property sits right on Grace Bay, the gorgeous north-facing beach that’s the most sought-after vacation spot in Providenciales, the most populated of TCI’s eight inhabited islands.

If you catch one of the direct flights offered daily from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, D.C., you can have your toes in the powdery white sand, tropical drink in hand, in a matter of hours. The island has a remote feel but caters to Americans, down to stocking ATMs with USDs. But don’t forget your passport – TCI is a British territory.

While down there, you’ll have ample choices for premium dining. We highly recommend Caicos Café – whose modest name belies its gourmet fare – as well as Stelle, Coco Bistro and Seven. But don’t take our word for it; chat up other vacationers and you’ll soon find that most of them are return visitors who’ll have plenty of recommendations. Look closer and you may realize you’re chatting with Brad Pitt, Katie Couric or Bruce Willis, just a few of the heavy hitters who love TCI as much as we do.

The Residences run at about $8,800/night this time of year. Visit www.luxuryretreats.com or call 877.993.0100.